Paris Saint-Germain are set to take on seventh-placed RC Strasbourg on Matchday 20 of Ligue 1 McDonald's at La Meinau. Les Parisens need a win if they hope to regain the top spot of the league following RC Lens' 1-0 win over Le Havre earlier this weekend.
Luis Enrique and his team were held to a disappointing 1-1 home stalemate against Premier League side Newcastle United midweek and will now face fellow Ligue 1 side AS Monaco in the Champions League Play-offs, with the first leg taking place on February 17th.
For this upcoming clash against Strasbourg, the Spaniard made several changes to his starting lineup, giving rest to several key players of his offensive line, including Ousmane Dembélé and Désiré Doué.
However, Lucas Chevalier is set for another spell on the bench with Safonov set to start between the post. Additionally, Fabian Ruiz, Quentin Ndjantou and Kvaratskhelia are side-lined with injuries. Meanwhile, Dro Fernandez makes his first appearance on the bench after his move from Barcelona.
Paris Saint-Germain's starting XI: Safonov*; Marquinhos, Pacho, Nuno Mendes, Hakimi; Warren Zaire-Emery, Vitinha, Joao Neves; Senny Mayulu, Ibrahim Mbaye, Barcola.*
RC Strasbourg's starting XI: Penders*; Doukouré, Mamadou Sarr, G. Doué; Chilwell, Ouattara, El Mourabet, Moreira, Godo, Enciso, Panichelli.*
Paris Saint-Germain edge RC Strasbourg
After 20 very interesting minutes from Luis Enrique's men, the hosts were awarded a penalty following a VAR check after was deemed Marquinhos of a handball. However, Russia international Matvey Safonov made a remarkable save against Panichelli's attempt to keep both sides level.
Shortly after the missed spot kick, Senny Mayulu opened the scored for the European Champions, following up on a deflected clearance off Barcola (22'). However, less than five minutes later, Guela Doué equalised after a well-rounded move from the hosts (27').
Both sides created many chances to take the lead before the halftime but failed to land a decivise blow in this entertaining first-half.
In a very intense second half, Achraf Hakimi was shown a straight red card after a short VAR review following a very dangerous challenge on Panichelli (75'). The Morocco international will therefore miss the upcoming clash against Marseille next week.
Down to 10-men, Les Parisiens managed to remain dangerous and scored through a Nuno Mendes header thanks to a pinpoint cross from Warren Zaire-Emery who was replaced in right-back following Hakimi's red card (81').
The hosts pushed to comeback into the game once again in the final moments but Paris held on to their lead to secure an important win.
Up next, Luis Enrique and PSG will host their biggest rivals Olympique de Marseille in the third Le Classique of the season at the Parc des Princes on Matchday 21 of Ligue 1 McDonald's.